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By Bernard Perera

Sri Lanka defeated Maldives in their first friendly international soccer encounter 1 goal to nil under lights at the Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday. The goal for Sri Lanka came in the 16th minute of the second half off the boot of striker Kasun Jayasuriya.

Referee Anura de Silva awarded a free kick for rough play 30 metres away from the goal line. The kick taken by mid fielder Niroshan Abeysekera bounced off goalie, Kasun grabbed the opportunity to find the net to put Sri Lanka ahead.

Maldivian tried everything possible to equalise with many good moves, but striker's was not on target. The visitors in a bid to come to terms had three changes during this period. These efforts too failed to bear fruits.

Soccer displayed by both sides thrilled the crowed that gathered at the stadium to witness a classy international. The last fifteen minutes referee had lot of work to do as a slippery ground conditions made things worse for players and were seen colliding on many occasions.

The first session of play was completely dominated by Lankan soccerites from the word go. They went on the attack from the first minute when they moved onto the opponent territory. The 7th minute saw striker Kasun Jayasuriya missed a golden opportunity of finding the net from a neat pass ring wing.

Kasun was again unlucky in the 15th minute. Maldivians at stage organised themselves to go on the attack. They managed to score the first goal through their striker but alas the referee blew the whistle as the other was found offside at this moment.

E. B. Channa the other striker failed to find the net in the 43rd minute though it was a straight kick taken towards the goal. The last few minute of the session belonged to the Lankans.

Just two minutes away from the interval referee Anura de Silva blew Kasun for rough play and was shown the yellow.

Anura de Silva refereed the game. He had the support from linesman S. H. Gnanasena and K. I. Dissanayake. 

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